Oregon

Oregon's big game hunting is run by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW). It combines general (over-the-counter) seasons for some deer and elk with controlled hunts that require applying in a preference point draw.

In the controlled hunt draw, most tags go to the applicants with the most preference points, with a share reserved for a pure random draw so newcomers always have a chance. All pronghorn, bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain goat, and spring bear hunting is limited-entry.

You must hold an annual hunting license to apply, plus the correct tag for the species. Each year you don't draw your first-choice hunt, you earn a preference point; drawing your first choice resets your points to zero (whether or not you buy the tag).

If you can't hunt a given year, you can buy a 'point saver' to gain a point and keep building for the future. Points are tracked per hunt series and maintained until you draw your first choice in that series.

Apply online at huntfishoregon.com (or at a license agent/ODFW office) after buying your hunting license. You submit one application per hunt series and may list up to five hunt-number choices; preference points and the random pool apply only to your first choice.

You can apply as an individual or in a party (party points are averaged); there are no party applications for bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain goat, or premium hunts.

For 2026, the spring black bear controlled application deadline is February 10 (results ~February 20), and all other big game controlled applications are due May 15 (results ~June 12).

General-season tags have their own later sale deadlines (for example, general archery deer/elk around late August). Confirm exact dates in the current regulations.

For deer, elk, pronghorn, and spring bear (premium hunts excluded), about 75% of tags go to the first-choice applicants with the most preference points, and the remaining 25% are drawn randomly among all first-choice applicants. Bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain goat, and premium hunts use a pure random draw with no points.

How TAGZ turns these mechanics into projected draw odds is covered separately in the odds methodology.

Figures are approximate—see the current fee schedule. A resident hunting license is about $39.50 versus $193 for a nonresident. A resident deer tag is about $33 and elk about $56; nonresident deer is about $500 and elk about $660.

Sheep and Rocky Mountain goat tags are about $159 resident / $1,695 nonresident. Each controlled hunt application carries a $10 fee. All fees are nonrefundable.